The United Rugby Championship has seen huge movements over the past 24 hours, with Adam Beard and Alex Craig leaving their respective clubs in Wales, and Josh McKay resigning for the Glasgow Warriors to boost his Scotland claim.
Former Welsh international who won 58 caps for his country has made a much-anticipated departure from the Ospreys, with Montpellier touted to be his next destination.
For Scarlets and former Gloucester lock Craig, he makes the cross URC switch to his homeland and will be representing Glasgow in Scotland next season.
New Zealand-born Josh McKay has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the side until 2028 and bolster his hopes at representing the national side at Murrayfield.
Adam Beard makes his long-awaited Wales exit
Beard has made his much-anticipated exit from the URC following the lock’s 149-cap stint for the Ospreys spanning over a decade since his debut in 2014.
The veteran Welsh international and British & Irish Lion had been thought to be planning his move from the Swansea-based outfit for a while, with the 29-year-old expected to join Montpellier in the Top 14 for the 2025/26 campaign.
He admitted that he’s left the Ospreys region with a heavy heart, having been with the club since his days in their academy.
“I grew up being an Ospreys supporter, and I was lucky enough to have come through the academy system and then progress to the first team.
“I have enjoyed every second of playing here and have made friends and memories that will last a lifetime. This is a special place that has played a hugely important role in where I am as a player, and person, today”, he explained.
Alex Craig returns home in an attempt to reignite his international career
Despite having won six caps for Scotland, the former Gloucester and now Scarlets lock has never played domestic rugby in his country of birth.
He will bolster Glasgow Warriors’ second row options of Scott Cummings, Max Williamson and Alex Samuel in an intra-URC switch that has been long awaited, with him seen as a replacement for former Warrior and Scotland stalwart Richie Gray.
“I’m from Castle Douglas, and I’ve always kept a close eye on how Glasgow was doing as I supported the club when growing up. To see the club go from strength to strength in recent seasons has been so impressive, and they just keep getting better and better as a team.
“For me, coming back home is a massive opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in”, announced Craig on his homecoming.
Brian O’Driscoll hits out at ’embarrassing’ officiating as Munster can feel ‘very hard done by’
Ex-Ireland international predicts a positional switch for ‘big personality’ Rieko Ioane at Leinster
Josh McKay extends Glasgow contract as he seeks to qualify for a first Scotland cap
McKay has signed a contract extension to extend his Glasgow stay until 2028, with the kiwi-born full-back having won the club’s play of the season award in their 2022/23 campaign, where they won the URC.
Since he arrived at the club in 2021, McKay has displayed his class as he pursues qualification for a Scottish International call-up despite having represented New Zealand at U20 level.
He will qualify for international selection in 2026 and has admitted to loving his new lifestyle in Scotland.
“It’s great to have a good bit of certainty on where I’ll be for the next few years – I love it here, both playing for Glasgow but also living in the city and being able to get out and explore Scotland.
“To be able to do all of that for the next three years is huge, and I can’t wait to make more memories with the boys”.
READ MORE: Bulls reject ‘millions’ as Springboks star Kurt-Lee Arendse denied permanent switch
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/urc-shake-up-new-zealander-eyes-scotland-qualification-craig-heads-home-and-adam-beard-confirms-french-move
